February Must-Haves: Look Great on a Date

Just when you thought you were done with hectic holidays, February creeps up on you with the most stressful one of all: Valentine’s Day. Sure, it’s nice to show appreciation for the lucky lady in your life, but let’s face it, there’s a lot of pressure. You can’t wear any ol’ T-shirt and you already maxed out her wishlist for Christmas. Stop plotting Cupid’s death and relax. We have everything you need to make it through the season of amore. And on the bright side, once you invest in a few key pieces, you’ll have a go-to date look for years to come.

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Dark Jeans

Dinner dates are awkward as it is. So why betray your no-fail blues in favor of something uncomfortable? Besides, if you show up in full suit, she’ll think you’re trying too hard. Opt for dark jeans, which are dressy enough for a nice dinner, but still laid-back, comfortable, and you.

Leave your tie at the office and dress like a player with a hip pocket square instead. A pattern shows that you pay attention to the finer points of fashion—and that you know how to have fun. Bonus if it’s red. A University of Rochester study found that women are more attracted to men wearing the fierce hue, presumably because of its association with power.

It’s just as true as their love of chocolate; women notice your shoes. Sporting kicks with striking soles, bold stitching, or colorful laces will earn major style points from the fairer sex. These wingtips from Cole Haan are unique enough to make a statement, but not so loud that they scream look at me. After all, she wouldn’t want your shoes to distract from her slinky black dress.

If you won’t say it, we will. No one actually likes Valentine’s Day. She probably feels the pressure, too. Solution: Split a flask of booze while watching The Vow. Go ahead—take an extra swig. You’ve earned it. Even knockout Rachel McAdams can’t compensate for the inevitable plot lines of a rom-com.

Women like jewelry—even men's jewelry, so she's apt to notice your watch.
This chronograph from TAG Heuer, which has a blue alligator strap and bold square face, will show off your fearless style and fine taste.

There’s nothing really wrong with Russell Stover caramels—except that she probably received a box from every zit-faced teenager back in high school. (She may have thrown out the included teddy bears, but the pain remains.) Out-do her ex boyfriends with gourmet chocolate from La Maison du Chocolat. The truffles are infused with exotic spices from Trinidad, Cambodia, and Madascar, which shows that your taste extends beyond the Walgreen’s candy aisle.

Sick of the same ol’ Valentine’s Day routine? Spice it up with an exciting weekend getaway. Surprise her with this Rimowa suitcase and hide your travel itinerary inside. Bonus: the bright red color ensures that she won’t miss it at baggage claim.

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